Indoor Air Quality
Previous
Next
Index
Links
Combustion Products - Introduction
Unvented appliances contribute all their exhaust gases to indoor air pollution, but
problems may also arise with improperly maintained vented appliances. Modern homes
are very well 'weatherized.' That means outside air finds it hard to penetrate sealed
windows and doors when there is lower air pressure inside. The outside air may follow
Santa Clause's example, however, and come in through the chimney. The pressure differences
allow the so-
Today we know that the health effects of combustion products can be very subtle at first. Accidents aside, the pollutants can give us a simple headache, may lead to lung disorders, and in extreme cases death. Alright the latter isn't quite so subtle. But when you consider that over 1,000 carbon monoxide deaths occur in the US every year, then the extreme cases aren't so rare either.
Do you or someone in your household experience regular and unexplained flu like symptoms?
Of course, the reason for this may be just another bout of the common cold; or it
may be a reaction to indoor air pollution. In the order of importance, the by-
Most homes do have one or more appliances that burn gas, oil, kerosene, coal or wood for cooking and heating purposes. For some home owners, however, an open fire or scented candle is nothing but fashion or decoration.
Major appliances are usually vented to the outside, but smaller, unvented devices
release their exhaust gases straight into the room. Do you always use the kitchen
fan or range hood when you cook your meal over a gas flame? That is, if you have
one at all, or perhaps it is too noisy. Many families around the world still cook
on unvented stoves that are wood or coal-
